Standalone uv-c sanitizing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A standalone UV-C sanitizing apparatus and method is provided that is operable to sanitize and disinfect a user&#39;s hands or protective gloves. The apparatus includes a housing with light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned to emit ultraviolet (UV-C) light connected to a circuit board which are individually connected to a power source. The apparatus is configured so that when the user positions the hands or gloves under the housing, the UV-C light is emitted for a predetermined period of time based on the distance to the hands and the power output of the LEDs. The UV-C light is emitted at a wavelength suitable to kill, destroy, or reduce growth of microorganisms/germs. The housing can be configured with a sensor to detect motion under the housing and include a limiter hand guard.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63/000,186 filed Mar. 26, 2020 and this application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/975,262filed on May 9, 2018, which claimed priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/503,912 filed May 9, 2017. The present applicationclaims priority to these applications which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus, system, andmethod for sanitizing using UV-C light.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

There are various methods and devices that are capable of being utilizedto remove germs, bacteria and/or other microorganisms. For example, itis known to use liquids, such as alcohols, acids and bases, to cleanhands.

It is also known to use radiation, such as light, to clean objects byusing the light to destroy microorganisms on the surface of the objects.For example, ultraviolet (“UV”) light with a wavelength betweenapproximately 100 to 290 nanometers (also referred to as “UV-C light”)can be used as a germicide to destroy the DNA in microorganisms andthereby destroy the microorganisms. However, many of the devices thatuse UV-C light are large and bulky, making such devices difficult tomove around and use with the ease of other bactericidal devices, likethe liquid bactericidal discussed above. Moreover, some of the smallerUV-C light bactericidal devices are portable but may require a wiredconnection to an electrical outlet or are too large to carry aroundinconspicuously. There is a need for improved devices and methods forincreased germicides and better hygiene without the need for liquids.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure further provides for a standalone ultra-violet(UV) light sanitizing apparatus having a plurality of light emittingdiodes (LEDs). UV light can be broken down into different ranges basedon the wavelengths of the UV light. UV-A light ranges in wavelengthsfrom 315 nm to 400 nm. UV-B light ranges in wavelengths from 280 nm to315 nm. UV-C light ranges in wavelengths from 100 nm to 280 nm. UV-Clight has the natural property of killing germs, including killingbacteria and disabling viruses. UV light may be harmful to human skinand human eyes. UV light can cause cancer and permanent eye damage ifused improperly. However, when used properly, UV-C light can safely killand disable germs on human skin without causing any damage orirritation. Moreover, UV-C light can be effective in sanitizing anddisinfecting surfaces and materials like personal protective equipment(PPE) like gloves, masks, and gowns. This can be especially usefulduring times of equipment shortages, like a pandemic, by providing aprocess to reuse single-use or disposable equipment. In an example, UV-Clight at a wavelength of 222 nm has been shown to effectively kill over95% of the influenza virus at a low dose of 2 mJ/cm² while not evenpenetrating an outer dead-cell layer of human skin or a tear-layer on ahuman eye. Using an arrangement of lower power consumption LED's, UV-Clight can be emitted at a wavelength suitable to kill, destroy, orreduce growth of microorganisms/germs within the area proximate to thehousing, which can serve to sanitize/disinfect human skin or a surfaceof PPE exposed to the UV light for a suitable amount of time.

In a further example, the wavelength of UV-C light emitted from the LEDsis between about 100 and 290 nm, or 200 and 265 nm, or 220 and 230 nm,and between 254 nm and 265 nm which is classified as UV-C light. Ahousing is formed to partially enclose a circuit board and LEDs. In oneexample, each LED defines a width of about 3 mm to 5 mm and adapted toreceive a current of about 20 mA and a power consumption of about 70 mW.In another example, the apparatus is suitable to kill at least 99% ofunwanted microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses within proximity ofthe housing.

In an example, the apparatus includes a housing having a plurality ofLEDs. Each LED is configured to emit UV-C light. The housing can beplaner such that the LEDs are aligned on substantially the same plane.In this example, the housing defines a right section and a left section.In a further example, each section includes a plurality of LEDsconfigured to emit UV-C light and each LED is spaced apart in rows onmounting plates. The LEDs can be spaced apart evenly to emit UV-C lightfrom an underside of each section of the housing. The LED lights areindividually connected to a power source. In an example, the powersource is a simple battery like an off-the-shelf alkaline or Lithium-ionbattery. The apparatus can further include an optional on/offswitch/button positioned along the outside of the housing and coupled tothe power source. The switch/button is operable for causing the LEDs toturn on and off upon actuation thus activating the emitting of the UV-Clight. In another example, activation of the LEDs to emit UV-C light istriggered by a motion sensor configured to recognize the presence of auser's hand and stay on for a sufficient period of time to effectivelysterilize/sanitize/disinfect and/or clean the surface of the hand. In afurther example, activation of the LEDs to emit UV-C light is triggeredby a motion sensor configured to recognize the presence of an object,like PPE, and stay on for a sufficient period of time to effectivelysterilize/sanitize/disinfect and/or clean the surface of the PPE.

In an example, the housing is fabricated from a plastic or solidmaterial operable to block UV light from transmitting upwardly towards auser's eyes and face. The housing can form an open cavity to allow forpositioning of the LEDs to face downward. Thus, a user will place theirhands below the light so upon activation of the LEDs, the UV-C light canemit onto the hands to sterilize/sanitize. The emission of light shouldbe at a power sufficient to sanitize/disinfect a surface (i.e., hands ofa user) when placed near the lights for a predetermined period of time.

In an example, the housing is affixed to a vertical stand. Optionally,the housing is adjustably mounted to the stand. The vertical stand caninclude a pole or a post extending from a base. The housing connects tothe pole so that the housing is positioned at a desired height from theground, (typically at a desired distance for efficient and comfortableuse by a user). In an example, the housing connection to the pole can beadjusted to shift the desired height from the ground. The UV-C light canbe emitted at a wavelength suitable to kill, destroy, or reduce growthof microorganisms/germs within the area proximate to the housing. In anexample, a user of the apparatus positions each hand under therespective right and left section of the housing. The UV light emittedfrom the LED lights efficiently kills, destroy, or reduces the growth ofmicroorganisms/germs on the user's hands. The hands are positioned at asufficient distance from the lights.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now bedescribed various forms thereof, given by way of example, referencebeing made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a device of the present disclosurewith UV light emitting therefrom;

FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the device of FIG. 1 across line 1-1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 in use being held by a hand of auser;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a device according tothe present disclosure having a rechargeable battery;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example charging station for charging the batteryof FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an example hand sanitizing device separatedinto two sections having a threaded connection portion;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an example hand sanitizing device separatedinto two sections having a clip-in connection portion;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an example hand sanitizing device separatedinto two sections having a replaceable section;

FIG. 9 is an example keychain UV light emitting hand sanitizing device;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a front face and side view, respectively,of a wall mount UV light emitting hand sanitizing device according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a standalone hand sanitizingapparatus with a housing having LEDs emitting UV-C light;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the standalone hand sanitizingapparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the standalone hand sanitizingapparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates an underside of the housing showing UV LEDsconnected to a power source and arranged in rows on the right and leftsections of the housing;

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a schematic perspective and across-sectional view, respectively, of a standalone hand sanitizingapparatus with a housing containing LEDs emitting UV-C light;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a standalone hand sanitizingapparatus illustrating a cone visualization of UV emittance; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of a standalone hand sanitizingapparatus sanitizing a user's hands.

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. Itshould be understood that throughout the drawings, correspondingreference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

The present disclosure provides for an improved handheld sanitizationand/or sterilization device capable of improved sanitizing and/orsterilizing an area proximate the device, such as a hand or hands of auser. Ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically UV-C light, is an effectivesterilization agent. The UV light breaks down living organisms to renderthem harmless. The device according to the present disclosure includes aplurality of UV emitting lights positioned within a housing. The UVlight emitted from the device is operable to reduce, and improve thedestroying of germs, bacteria, and/or viruses. The UV light referred toin this disclosure is short-wavelength ultraviolet “UV-C”, whichfunctions as a germicide and is less harmful than other wavelengths ofUV light such as UV-A or UV-B. Accordingly, reference to “UV light”should be considered UV-C light for purposes of this disclosure.

With reference now to the drawings, and particularly, FIGS. 1 to 3illustrate an example embodiment of a handheld sanitization device 10according to the present disclosure. In this example, device 10 includesa housing 12 defining a plurality of recessed openings 14 spaced apartand dispersed around the housing 12. Housing 12 can define any geometry,however, as shown in the drawings, housing 12 defines a sphericalconstruction forming a “ball” with the recesses 14 spaced around anouter surface of housing 12. The housing 12 can be formed of anymaterial suitable to contain additional components to be describe infurther detail below. In an example, the housing 12 defines a surfacefabricated from a polymer material having one or more colors as desired.For example, the surface of the housing 12 can be black or chrome. Inanother form, the surface can be any color. This can allow for thefabrication of a device 10 to capture a certain marketing theme orholiday, such as green for spring or orange for Halloween, for example.

In one form of the present disclosure, the handheldsanitization/sterilization device 10 is sized and shaped to fit easilywithin a user's hand. FIG. 3 illustrates a user's hand 40 holding anexample device 10. The handheld device 10 allows for convenienttransport in a user's pocket, purse, vehicle, or otherwise. Device 10can be sized and shaped to define a diameter of about 1 to 3 inches,preferable about 2 inches.

Positioned within each recess 14 is at least one light emitting diode(LED) 16 operable to emit UV light through recess 14 when activated orturned “on” by an on/off switch/button 18. Recesses 14 can be generallyrounded and define a diameter sufficient to allow for each LED 16 tohave a diameter of about 3 mm to 5 mm. In an example, recess 14 shouldbe formed to receive each LED 16 such that the surface of housing 12 isflush and thus the LED's 16 do not extend outward from the outer surfaceof housing 12.

The LEDs 16 are dispersed around housing 12 to allow for omnidirectionalUV light emission. For example, this allows for UV light to be emittedin all directions and thus holding device 10 within a hand is sufficientto sanitize and/or sterilize most or possibly all surfaces of a user'shand.

On/off switch 18 is provided to allow activation of the plurality ofLEDs 16 and thus device 10. Each LED 16 is adapted to emit UV lightsufficient to sanitize or sterilize a surface within its proximity. Therange for sterilization depends on the emission power of each LED 16.FIG. 2 illustrates an example cross section schematic view across line1-1 to show internal components of device 10. In this example, each LED16 is coupled to a circuit board 11 which is powered by a power source13 such as a battery. In this example, a Lithium (Li+) ion battery orequivalent is used, however, disposable and/or rechargeable batteriesare within the scope of this disclosure. The switch 18 is coupled to thecircuit board 11 to send a signal to activate the LEDs 16. In thisexample, each LED 16 can be adapted to receive a current of about 20 mAand a power consumption of about 70 mW while delivering UV light havinga wavelength in the range of between about 100 nm and 290 nm, 200 and250 nm, 220 and 230 nm and/or between 254 nm and 265 nm.

In one form of the present disclosure, housing 12 can be formed to pivotopen into two sections to allow for access to internal components. Thisallows for replacing and changing of those components such as LEDs 16 orbattery 11. In yet another example, different colored LED lights areprovided within housing 12 to create an alternative desired look andimpression when activated. The UV light emitted from device 10 is UV-Clight. It is contemplated that any fastening or connection system, suchas a threaded connection or a clip in connection, to allow opening andclosing of housing 12 is within the scope of the present disclosure (SeeFIGS. 7-9).

The present disclosure provides for a method of sterilizing/sanitizinghands of a user by providing a device 10 having a plurality of UVemitting LEDs 16 and activing the LEDs 16 to emit the UV lightomnidirectional out from a housing 12 of device 10 to expose a user'shand to the UV light. In use, for example, a user may turn device 10 onby pushing on/off button 18 and thus activating the LEDs 16 to emit UVlight and expose one or more hands 40 to the UV light by holding device10 in their hand. Holding the device 10 for several seconds to a minuteor more allows for desired sanitizing or sterilizing without the needfor undesired liquids or alcohols. In this example, the UV lighttechnology is sufficient to kill or reduce viruses, and any presentparasitic DNA. Thus, harmful and undesired and harmful germs are cleanedfrom the hands of a user.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in yet another example of the presentdisclosure, a schematic for an omnidirectional hand sanitizing device 40is shown. In this example, device 40 includes a glass housing 42surrounding an internal LED unit 41. LED unit 41 is positioned in thecenter of housing 42. Housing 42 formed into a sphere to completelyenclose unit 41. Glass housing 42 is constructed of a materialsufficient to allow UV light to escape and not overly block or refractthe emitted light. In one form, glass housing 42 is constructed ofquartz glass. In one form, the device 40 defines a diameter of about 1to 3 inches and in another form the diameter is about 1.5 inches.

LED unit 41 includes a plurality of LED lights 46 positioned in anomnidirectional configuration such that UV light emitting from unit 41will emit in most or all directions. Accordingly, LED lights 46 aremounted on a structure 47. In this embodiment, structure 47 is a cubehaving at least one LED light 46 mounted on each side. The LED lightscan be any light sufficient to emit UV light out from the glass housing42 including an example low mercury UV-C LED having a wavelength ofabout 254 nm. The power requirement can be about 3000 μwatt*cm²/sec.

Structure 47 includes a power supply or battery 43 to provide power andconnectivity to the LED lights 46. Optionally, a circuit board (notshown) can be provided to allow for programmability. Battery 43 isfurther coupled to an on/off switch 48. The switch 48 is positioned onan exterior surface of glass housing 42 to allow for user access andcontrol of the light emission of device 40. In yet another example, thebattery 43 is coupled to a sensor on a circuit board (not shown) thatresponds to touch as a mechanism to turn on the device 40.

In this example, device 40 further includes a charging port 45 operableto connect to charging stand 50 (FIG. 5). The charging port 45 iscoupled to a rechargeable battery 43 and when connected to chargingstand 50, allows for the battery to be recharged. Charging port 45 isoperable to connect to a receiving port 52 of stand 50. Stand 50 can beplugged into a wall outlet or other power source via USB or otherwisevia a plug connector 54. In this example, stand 50 includes a roundedconvex mounting surface 53 shaped and sized to receive and nestle thedevice 40. Although this is schematic, there are various configurationspossible for an example charging stand 50 that are contemplated andwithin the scope of the present disclosure. This includes a morevertical stand, a rectangular or square shaped stand, or even just acharging cord that directly connects with the charging port 45. Thedevice 40 can further be provided in a corresponding carrying caseshaped and sized to receive and enclose device 40 while not in use.

With regard to FIGS. 6 and 7, the present disclosure further providesfor a portable and omnidirectional hand sanitizing devices 60 and 70,each having an internal LED unit 61 or 71, respectively, which aresimilar to the LED unit described with respect to FIG. 4 and unit 41.Devices 60 and 70 schematically illustrate various mechanisms to accessthe internal components of the LED units 61 and 71. Device 60 includes athreaded portion 67 which allows separation into two sections, uppersection 62 and lower section 63, both still constructed of a suitableglass like quartz. The threaded portion 67 engages with a correspondingthread (not shown) on an interior surface of upper section 62.Accordingly, this allows for a disposable and/or removable batterydesign and replacement of LED lights when necessary.

As shown in FIG. 7, device 70 can be separated into two sections, uppersection 72 and lower section 73, both still constructed of a suitableglass like quartz. Device 70 includes a clip mechanism having a latchingportion 77 positioned on a lower section 73. Clips 79 extending fromupper section 72 are positioned to engage the latching portion 77 andthus secure upper section 72 to lower section 73 and enclosing the LEDunit 71. Accordingly, this allows for a disposable and/or removablebattery design and replacement of LED lights when necessary.

Referring to FIG. 8, a further example of a handheld sanitizing device80 is shown. Device 80 can be separated into two sections, upper section82 and lower section 83. Device 80 includes any attachment mechanism toconnect the upper and lower section, however, in this example, athreaded portion 87 is shown. In this example, only lower portion 83 isconstructed of clear glass allowing the emission of UV light therefrom.Upper portion 82 is constructed of a different material which can bedisposable, interchangeable, defining a non-clear color, or otherwise.An LED unit 81 is mounted therein which includes one or more UV emittingLED lights. In this example, the LED lights can be configured to onlyemit in the direction of lower section 83. This allows for theconstructing or manufacturing of multiple units having various benefits.For example, upper section 82 can include promotional material orcustomized graphics. This further allows for a disposable and/orremovable battery design and replacement of LED lights when necessary.

Referring to FIG. 9, a further example of a hand sanitizing device 90 isshown. In this example, device 90 is a keychain device having a mainbody 91 for housing internal components such as a battery. An LED unit92 for emitting UV light is positioned at a distal end of the body 91.Device 90 includes an on/off button 98 and a chain portion 93. Chainportion 93 is operable to connect to keys or the like and thus forms aportable and convenient hand sanitizing mechanism for a user.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, the present disclosure provides for a wallmount UV apparatus 100 operable for sanitizing hands placed in a UVlight exposure area. The device 100 includes a housing 110 operable tobe mounted onto a wall or surface. A UV emitting device 120 ispositioned and mounted within the housing but at least partiallyexposed. Device 120 can be any of the previously described handsanitizing devices like device 10, 40, 60, 70, and/or 80, so long as aportion the device allows for UV light emission. In this example, thedevice 120 is positioned to emit light in a relatively downward angleand thus allows a user to place hands below the device 120 to kill anygerms or otherwise while in use. Device 120 can be electronicallycoupled to a power source and optionally to a sensor 130. Sensor 130 canbe any motion sensor operable to turn on the LED lights of device 120when an object is present.

Referring to FIGS. 11-17, the present disclosure provides for astandalone UV-C sanitizing apparatus 200 operable for sanitizing handsplaced in a preset UV-C light exposure area. The standalone apparatusincludes a housing 210. In this example, housing 210 is configured withleft section 211 and right section 212, primarily to indicate theplacement of a left and right hand and form two distinct areas ofexposure.

In an example, handguards 213 are positioned below housing 210. Thehandguards 213 can be connected to and extend from housing 210 downwarda desired distance sufficient to allow a user's hands to fit below thehousing 210 and above handguards 213. Handguards 213 then extend out andtowards a user, substantially parallel to a plane of the housing 210.This forms an open space for placement of a user's hands. The distancebetween the handguards 213 and the housing 210 should allow for the userto position their hands at an optimal distance from the LEDs within apreset or desired exposure area for effective sanitization such that theuser can rest their hands on or above the handguards 213. In an example,the effective distance a hand should be from the LEDs can range from 2inches to 6 inches. In this example, the LEDs are positioned onessentially the same plane to provide for even light emission anddistribution within the exposure area. Accordingly, the housing can alsobe planer.

The distance of the handguards 213 can be repositioned to adjust theamount of distance between the user's hands and the LEDs based on thepower output of the LEDs and the desired killing effect. Further, theamount of time that the hands should be left under the LEDs isproportionate to the power output of the LEDs and the distance of theLEDs to the hands, i.e. the greater the power output, the shorter amountof time is needed under the UV light and the shorter the distance of thehands to the LEDs, the shorter the amount of time is needed under the UVlight.

The LEDs are configured to emit UV-C light, which has ranges inwavelengths from 100 nm to 280 nm. UV-C light has the natural propertyof killing germs, including killing bacteria and disabling viruses. UVlight in many forms is harmful to human skin and human eyes, however,when used properly, UV-C light can safely kill and disable germs onhuman skin without causing any damage or irritation. Specially, UV-Clight at a wavelength of 222 nm has been shown to effectively killbacteria and other microorganisms while not even penetrating the outerlayer of the human skin or the human eye. In an example, the LEDs areconfigured to emit UV-C light at a wavelength of about 222 nm. Moreover,UV-C light can be effective in sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces andmaterials like personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks,and gowns. This can be especially useful during times of equipmentshortages, like a pandemic, by providing a process to reuse single-useor disposable equipment.

LEDs have many advantages over other light sources, including lowerenergy consumption, longer lifetime, improved physical robustness,smaller size, and faster switching. In an example, handguards 213 arepositioned 3 inches away from LEDs 230 and the user is directed to leavethe hands under the light for at least 5 seconds to 60 seconds and morespecifically for at least 6 seconds to 30 seconds and yet further for 6seconds to 10 seconds. Apparatus 200 can be equipped with indicia like atimer or a light indicator to convey to the user that the sufficientexposure time has been met. This can be done in a variety of ways,including multiple “percent clean” indicator such as 10% clean, 50%clean, 70% clean, complete. Moreover, the apparatus can simply turn offwhen the preset time for emission time has surpassed. The amount of timeleft under the UV light can also be proportionate to the targetedbacteria, virus, or other microorganisms.

In an example, LEDs 230 are provided in each of the left section 211 andright section 212 and positioned on an underside of each section to emitdownwardly towards handguards 213. Each LED is configured to emit UVlight. The standalone apparatus 200 includes a vertical stand 250.Vertical stand 250 is includes a pole or post 251 and a base 252. In anexample, base 252 is partially spherical-shaped and funnels upwards intopole 251 forming a balanced vertical stand 250. Pole 251 is configuredto adjustably mount housing 210 whereby pole 251 engages with aperture215 of the housing 210. Housing 210 can then be adjusted up or down tothe desired height above the ground.

The present disclosure provides for a standalone UV-C sanitizingapparatus 200 operable for sanitizing hands placed in a UV-C lightexposure area 220. LEDs 230 are positioned on the underside of housing210 for light exposure downward. Handguard 213 is positioned below thehousing 210 and creates the light exposure area 220. Users can placetheir hands into the exposure area 220 for effectivedisinfecting/sanitizing. In an example, an adjustable fastener 216 canbe positioned on the side of housing 210. When the housing and handguard213 are positioned at the desired positions creating the desireddistance of UV-C light exposure area 220, the adjustable fastener can bepositioned in the locked position so as to lock the housing 210 at thatposition. The housing can be adjusted by disengaging the adjustablefastener, moving the housing to the desired height, and re-engaging theadjustable fastener to the locked position.

The distance of UV-C light exposure area 220 can be adjusted to begreater or smaller depending on the desired LED power output and theintended exposure time of the UV-C light to the user's hand. In thisexample, the apparatus 200 is positioned to emit light in at a downwarddirection whereby a user can place hands 221 below the housing 210 tokill any germs or otherwise while in use. Housing 210 can beelectronically coupled to a power source (not shown). In a furtherexample, apparatus 200 includes a sensor including a motion sensor toactivate the LED lights of apparatus 200 when an object or hand isdetected, i.e., is present. The sensor can be configured to operate fora preset length of time corresponding to the distance from the LEDs andthe intensity of UV-C light exposure area 220. On an underside ofhousing 210, LEDs 230 are configured to emit UV-C light.

It is understood that people have varying degrees of hand sizes and thusthe surface area of a given user can vary drastically. The arrangementof LEDS corresponds to a cover a exposure surface area sufficient todisinfect/sanitize most hand surfaces. In this example, LEDs 230 arearranged in three rows on the left section 211 and right section 212 ofhousing 210. Three LEDs are positioned in each row for a total of nineLEDs in each of section 211 and section 212. Each LED 230 is connectedto power source 232. In an example, power source 232 is a disposablebattery. In yet a further example, power source 232 is a rechargeablebattery. The LEDs are connected to a power source in a manner so thateach LED can be replaced without causing a failure in the circuit andthus, failure of one, two, three or possibly more LEDs does not reducethe overall effectiveness of apparatus 200.

Each LED 230 is coupled to a circuit board which is powered by powersource 232. In an example, each LED corresponds to a single designatedcircuit board which is then coupled to a controller for programming. Inanother example, the LEDs are provided with wire pigtails that pokethrough holes in a single circuit board. It is further within the scopeof the present disclosure that each row of LEDs is mounted to acorresponding circuit board and all the circuit boards are thenconnected to a controller or a basic on/off switch. A Lithium (Li+) ionbattery or equivalent can be used, however, disposable alkaline and/orother rechargeable batteries are within the scope of this disclosure. Apower switch is coupled to the circuit board(s) to activate the LEDs230. In this example, each LED 230 can be adapted to receive a currentof about 20 mA and a power consumption of about 70 mW while deliveringUV light having a wavelength in the range of between about 100 nm and290 nm, 200 and 250 nm, 220 and 230 nm, around 220 to 227 nm, andbetween 254 nm and 265 nm. In yet another example, the device includes asafety circuit that will identify when and if an individual LED “burnsout” or ceases to function for any reason. Since most UVC LEDs do notemit visible light, a colored light LED can be included in the device tolet a user know that the device is on and operating (i.e.,disinfecting).

The present disclosure provides for a method of sterilizing/sanitizinghands of a user by providing an apparatus 200 having a plurality of UV-Cemitting LEDs 230 and activating the LEDs 230 to emit the UV-C lightfrom a housing 210 to expose a user's hand to the UV light. In anexample, the LEDs are configured to emit UV-C light at a wavelength ofabout 222 nm in order to safely kill germs without irritating ordamaging the human skin or eyes. In use, for example, a user may turnapparatus 200 on by pushing on/off button and thus activating the LEDs230 to emit UV-C light. In another example, apparatus 200 apparatus 200is turned on by motion sensors that detect and activate upon movementunder the device. Once the apparatus 200 is activated, the userpositions hands 221 on or just above handguards 213 and exposes thehands to the UV-C light by placing the right hand under right section212 and the left hand under left section 211. After a preset length oftime, the user will flip over hands 213 to expose the other side of thehand to LEDs 230. In an example, the apparatus is equipped withindicators that convey to the user when it is time to flip over thehands and when the sanitizing is complete. Placing one's hands underapparatus 200 for several seconds to a minute or more allows for desiredsanitizing or sterilizing without the need for undesired liquids oralcohols. In this example, the UV light emission is sufficient to killor reduce viruses, and any present parasitic DNA. Thus, harmful andundesired and harmful germs are cleaned from the hands of a user. In afurther example, this apparatus is configured to kill coronavirus. Asimilar process is effective for sterilizing/sanitizing/disinfecting PPEincluding gloves, masks, and gowns.

The present disclosure further provides for a method ofsterilizing/sanitizing PPE such as disposable protective gloves,reusable protective gloves, masks, and gowns. In this example, apparatus200 can be used to clean undesired and harmful germs on protectivegloves. Protective gloves protect the user from harmful germs, bacteria,and viruses from the environment. However, once the germs, bacteria, orviruses attach to the gloves, the gloves are compromised and can lead tothe user self-infecting or infecting others. Typically, the user wouldneed to either dispose of or wash the compromised gloves to protect andavoid future infections or contaminations. In this example, the user canposition the hands with the protective gloves under apparatus 200whereby the motion of the hands activates the plurality of LEDs 230emitting UV light from a housing 210 to expose a user's gloves to the UVlight. The UV light is emitted at a wavelength that is sufficient tokill or reduce viruses, and any present parasitic DNA. Thus, harmful andundesired and harmful germs are cleaned from the protective gloves of auser. In a further example, this apparatus is configured to killcoronavirus. This method of sterilizing/sanitizing protective glovesreduces waste and minimizes costs by allowing for multiple uses ofdisposable protective gloves and reduces the washing of compromised,reusable protective gloves.

In the examples of FIGS. 15A and 15B, the present disclosure illustratesa perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a standalone UV-C handsanitizing apparatus 200 with a housing 210 and a reciprocal handguard213. LEDs 230 are positioned on the undersides of the left section andright section of the planar housing. In this example, two LEDs areplaced in four rows in each of the left section and right section of theplanar housing. Hands are placed between the housing and the handguard.The user is directed to rest the hands just above or on the handguard toproperly position the hands at the desired distance from the LEDs. Theuser is instructed to flip the orientation of the hands after apredetermined amount of time. In an example, the user is directed by anindicator light to flip the orientation of the hands and to remove thehands once the disinfection is complete.

Referring to FIG. 16, the present disclosure provides a perspective viewof the housing. In this example, two LEDs are positioned in four rows oneach of the underside of the left section and right section of theplanar housing. Each LED emittance of UV-C light is illustrated by conesthat as the cones expand, cover a greater surface area, however, weakenin strength. The arrangement of the LEDs 230 is configured to have conearea crossover sufficient to cover a human hand. In an example, thesurface area covered by the cone cross over area within a sufficientpower zone for killing microorganisms is sized to cover a surface areaof a 95^(th) percentile of human hands. The closer to the LED, the moreconcentrated the UV-C light. On the contrary, the further away from theLED, the less concentrated the UV-C light, but the light covers morearea. The LED lights are arranged so that there is overlap, orredundancy, of the UV-C light. In the event that one or two of the LEDlights burns out or malfunctions, the apparatus will still function todisinfect hands because the area that is missing from the malfunctioningLED will be covered by the redundancy of a nearby, functioning LED. TheLEDs are connected to a power source in such a way so that if one LED ismalfunctioning, then the remainder of the LEDs down the chain are notdisrupted by the malfunctioning LED. The malfunctioning LED can then bereplaced with a new LED on an individual basis.

Referring to FIG. 17, the present disclosure provides a front view ofthe standalone hand sanitizing apparatus disinfecting hands. Theapparatus is configured to allow the user to place the hands under eachthe left section and right section of the planar housing. The user isdirected to place the hands directly above the handguard below theplanar housing. In an example, the LEDs on the underside of the planarhousing is connected to a motion sensor. When the motion sensor istriggered by the hands being placed under the planar housing, the LEDsturn on and emit UV-C light on the user's hands. In a further example, atimer is synchronized with the motion sensor and alerts the user theamount of time that the hands need to remain under the UV-C light toproperly disinfect. In a further example, the timer is configured toalert the user when the hands should be flipped over to disinfect theother side of the hands. In yet another example, LEDs are positioned toemit upwards and downwards to simultaneously sanitize both sides of ahuman hand. Precautions should be taken in a design of this two-way LEDemission apparatus to protect a user's eyes, such as physicalobstructions or mounting the LEDs deeper within a cavity or spacebetween handguards and the housing to prevent light escape.

The foregoing description of various forms of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings. The forms discussed were chosen and described toprovide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and itspractical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the artto utilize the invention in various forms and with various modificationsas are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modificationsand variations are within the scope of the invention as determined bythe appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth towhich they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A standalone UV-C sanitizing apparatuscomprising: (a) a housing defining a right section and a left section;(b) a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on an undersideof the right section and left section of the housing, wherein each LEDis positioned to emit ultraviolet (UV-C) light; (c) a vertical standhaving a pole and a base; (d) a circuit board, wherein each LED iscoupled to the circuit board and each LED is removable and replaceableindependently; (e) a power source coupled to the circuit board, whereinthe power source is operable to deliver power to each LED; wherein thehousing is configured to adjustably mount to the pole for desired heightadjustment; wherein the UV-C light emitted from the LEDs is at awavelength suitable to kill, destroy, or reduce growth of microorganismsand germs in a preset exposure area directly below the UV light; andwherein the arrangement of the LEDs spaced apart from each other isconfigured to emit cones of UV-C light emission sufficient to cover thepreset exposure area corresponding to a user's hand surface area.
 2. Thestandalone UV-C sanitizing apparatus of claim 1, further including anon/off button positioned along an outside surface of the housing andcoupled to the power source, wherein the button is operable for causingthe LEDs to turn on and off.
 3. The standalone UV-C sanitizing apparatusof claim 1, further including an on/off sensor positioned on the housingand coupled to the power source, wherein the sensor is configured todetect a presence of a user's hands and trigger the LEDs to turn on fora predetermined period of time sufficient to disinfect the surface andskin of the user's hands.
 4. The standalone UV-C sanitizing apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the power source is a battery selected from the groupconsisting of a disposable battery and a rechargeable battery.
 5. Thestandalone UV-C sanitizing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the LEDs aremounted to individual plates spaced apart and arranged in rows acrosseach of the right section and the left section of the housing.
 6. Thestandalone UV-C sanitizing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting ofthe housing on the pole is configured with an adjustable fastener whichis configured to lock the housing in place, and when disengaged allowsthe housing to adjust up and down the pole to a desired height.
 7. Thestandalone UV-C sanitizing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the UV-C lightdefines a wavelength of between about 200 and 265 nm.
 8. The standaloneUV-C sanitizing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the UV-C light defines awavelength of between about 200-250 nm.
 9. The standalone UV-Csanitizing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the UV-C light defines awavelength of between about 220-230 nm.
 10. The standalone UV-Csanitizing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handguardpositioned under the right section and left section of the housing toserve as a limiter to ensure a user's hands are positioned within thepreset exposure area during use.
 11. The standalone UV-C sanitizingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the UV light emitted from the LEDs issufficient to disinfect the surface and skin of the user's hands or thesurface of gloves. 12-22. (canceled)
 23. The standalone UV-C sanitizingapparatus of claim 1, wherein each LED defines a width of about 3 mm to5 mm and adapted to receive a current of about 20 mA and a powerconsumption of about 70 mW.
 24. The standalone UV-C sanitizing apparatusof claim 1, wherein the apparatus is suitable to kill at least 99% ofunwanted germs or microorganisms within the preset exposure area presenton a user's hands, skin, or gloves that come in contact with the emittedUV-light.
 25. A method for sanitizing and sterilizing, the methodcomprising: (a) providing a housing having: (i) a right section and aleft section wherein a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arepositioned to emit ultraviolet (UV-C) light and are mounted on anunderside of the right section and left section of the housing; (ii) acircuit board, wherein each LED is coupled to the circuit board and eachLED is independently removable and replaceable; (iii) a power sourcecoupled to the circuit board, wherein the power source is operable todeliver power to each LED; and (iv) a handguard positioned under thehousing; (b) positioning hands of a user between the handguards and theright section and left section of the housing; (c) activating the powersource to activate the LEDs; and (d) exposing the hands to the UV lightemitted from the LEDs within a preset exposure area below the housingfor a predetermined period of time based on the distance of thehandguard to the LEDs and the power emitted from the power source, andat a wavelength suitable to kill, destroy, or reduce growth ofmicroorganisms and germs in the preset exposure area.
 26. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the LEDs are configured to emit cones of lightemission sufficient to cover the preset exposure area corresponding to auser's hand and skin surface area.
 27. The method of claim 25, whereinthe housing further includes an on/off sensor positioned on the housingand coupled to the power source, wherein the sensor is configured todetect a presence of a user's hands and trigger the LEDs to turn on fora predetermined period of time.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein theUV-C light defines a wavelength of between about 200 and 265 nm.
 29. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the housing further includes an indicatorlight or timer and the method further comprises the step of exposing thehands to the UV-C light for a predetermined period of time until theindicator light or timer signals the user to remove the hands.
 30. Themethod of claim 29, further comprising the steps of signaling the user,with the indicator light or timer, to flip the orientation of the handsand exposing the other side of the hands to the UV-C light and thensignaling the user to remove the hands after a predetermined period oftime.
 31. The method of claim 25, wherein the user disinfects andsanitizes protective gloves by positioning the protective gloves r underthe housing within the preset exposure area and exposing the gloves tothe UV-C light for a predetermined period of time.